Singapore Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen spoke at the fifth plenary of the 14th Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD) today on the topic "Global Security Challenges and the Asia-Pacific: Building Cooperation Between Regions", alongside Australia Minister for Defence Kevin Andrews and High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini.

In his speech, Dr Ng noted that the current international order was in flux, in part due to the growing economic weight of Asian countries. He observed that as the international system adapted to new realities, all states would want to ensure that a rules-based system was maintained and that the security architecture operated on rules and norms that had the consensus of the international community. Dr Ng said, "This will require new consensus that takes into account the realities of the 21st century, while ensuring that principles such as sovereignty, respect for international law and peaceful settlement of disputes that protect the global commons remain at the core of the global order in this century."

Dr Ng hosted Indonesian Defence Minister General (GEN) (Rtd) Ryamizard Ryacudu to breakfast this morning on the sidelines of the SLD, during which they reaffirmed the close and long-standing defence relations between Singapore and Indonesia. The Ministers also noted the progress made by both sides in enhancing bilateral cooperation and discussed ideas for deepening joint training between the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the Indonesian National Defence Forces (TNI).

Dr Ng also met with Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani. Both Ministers reaffirmed the warm and friendly defence ties between Singapore and Japan.